AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! As hard as it is to believe, we're in the homestretch of this story, but here is Chapter 116 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they begin to wrap up their adventures in the Johto region. Now that the Silver Conference is over, I figured we should have a few little fun adventures for a little bit before we make our next move. I thought I'd have a little reunion adventure between Lugia and its parent since they haven't seen each other for so long. I hope you enjoy.
TEASER: Tristan, Pikachu, and Hillary are back home after their long journey through the Johto region. Lugia takes Tristan and Pikachu to the Whirl Islands and reunites with its long-lost parent. But as usual, Taz is up to his old tricks. Will this reunion turn to tragedy?
Chapter 116. ADVENTURES TO REMEMBER, PART 1
(Music Cue: My Friend, Pokémon)
With the Johto League Silver Conference behind them and their journey through the Johto region now complete, our heroes decide to spend some quality time back at home in New Bark Town before making their next move.
The sun was rising over the horizon in New Bark Town the next morning. The sky was clear, and the breeze was warm.
Inside the house, Tristan and Pikachu were fast asleep. They had had a great time battling in the Johto League Silver Conference and had gone on many amazing adventures with Hillary.
Tristan didn't win the Silver Conference, but he had felt a sense of accomplishment knowing how far he had come along with his Pokémon. And now that it was done, he knew that he still had more to do in order to be the very best Trainer and fulfill his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master. And meeting Ash at the Johto League only added to his ambitions.
Tristan woke up, opened his eyes, and yawned loudly. He had slept well, and was ready to keep his promise to play with Lugia for some well-deserved quality time. So he took his Silver Wing and put it around his neck.
Pikachu woke up soon after.
Then they crept out of the bedroom and went downstairs to the kitchen to have breakfast.
Tristan knew that he couldn't wake anyone else in the house, so he decided to make some toast for himself and Pikachu to share.
Then they sat down and ate their breakfast.
A few minutes later, Tristan and Pikachu quietly went outside and went to the big shed.
Lugia and Silveena were still fast asleep; however, Lugia had its long neck stretched out of the big shed so it could receive fresh air during the night.
Tristan and Pikachu sat down in front of the shed and waited.
"Lugia and Silveena look so content together, don't they, Pikachu?" whispered Tristan.
Pikachu quietly agreed with him.
"I'm sure glad they decided to live with us," added Tristan as he gently stroked Lugia. Then he stroked Pikachu with his other hand.
Pikachu enjoyed the attention it was getting.
Lugia stirred a little as Tristan stroked it, but still, it didn't wake up.
I just wonder how well Lugia and Silveena will do living here and raising a family, thought Tristan. If Professor Oak and Professor Elm are right about how some legendary Pokémon can breed, maybe their offspring will have a chance to thrive in more and more places all over the world.
Presently, Lugia slowly opened its eyes and noticed Tristan and Pikachu. Then it put its long, slender neck on Tristan's lap, as if it were showing affection to him. Good morning, guys.
"Good morning, Lugia," replied Tristan. "Did you sleep well?"
Yes, thank you, answered Lugia. Then it crawled out of the shed, yawned, and stretched its wings.
"I'll bet you're hungry, right?" smiled Tristan. "I saved some homemade toast for you." He took out a piece of toast and fed it to Lugia.
Lugia ate the toast one bite at a time. It seemed to enjoy the taste, especially with the butter added on it.
"You certainly have a good appetite," remarked Tristan.
What can I say? replied Lugia. It's really good. It finished the toast a few minutes later. Then it crawled out of the shed and lowered itself to the ground. Well, what do you say we go flying and play together?
"You bet," replied Tristan as he and Pikachu started to climb onto Lugia. "I did promise to play with you. But what about Silveena?"
Don't worry, Lugia assured him. She'll be fine. Your grandparents will help take good care of her.
Just then, Hillary came out holding Togepi in her arms. "Good morning, guys! Where are you going?"
"Good morning, sis," answered Tristan. "I promised Lugia that I'd play with it today while I thought about where I want to go next, now that our journey through Johto is over."
"Yeah, that was our best journey ever, wasn't it?" agreed Hillary. She felt a little sad because she enjoyed journeying with Tristan, but she knew that Tristan and Lugia enjoyed spending time with each other whenever they could. "Don't worry about me, guys. You just go on ahead."
"Are you sure?" asked Tristan.
Hillary nodded. "I'm sure. Besides, you and Lugia have a lot of catching up to do. And I have my Poké Gear with me so if you need me for any reason, Silveena and I will fly over right away. Besides, I promised to play with Silveena later, and it'll give me time to think about what I want to do next. So go have fun with Lugia, and we'll catch up later."
"Well, if you insist," replied Tristan. And he and Pikachu climbed onto Lugia.
(Music Cue: Flying Dragonite (full version as heard in "Enter the Dragonite"))
Lugia raised itself to its full height, and with a few flaps of its wings, it flew high into the air.
"See you soon, Hillary!" called Tristan as he waved to her. "We'll be back home by dinnertime!"
"Bye, Tristan!" replied Hillary as she waved back. "Be careful!"
"Don't worry! We will!"
Pikachu waved goodbye as it flew off with Tristan and Lugia.
Veronica and Eric came out just in time to see Tristan, Pikachu, and Lugia flying off.
"Oh, I miss Tristan so much when he goes off on his adventures," sighed Veronica. "That Lugia must love him just like I do. They're so close...like brothers. Pikachu is like a little brother that always helps him out."
Eric agreed. "Those three up there always seem to have fun whenever they get together."
"I wonder where they're going this time," said Veronica.
"Who knows?" replied Hillary. "But Tristan'll be back. Right, Togepi?"
Togepi trilled happily.
(Music Cue: Route 38 (full version))
Tristan, Pikachu, and Lugia flew over cities and fields as they reminisced about the Silver Conference.
"I really enjoyed seeing that Blaziken in battle," said Tristan. "Its amazing speed and jumping ability were a sight to behold. And that Blaze Kick attack...now that was hot. It's too bad I never got to battle it, though. And Shen was a super-tough opponent. Even though I didn't win, I sure had fun."
I think you did pretty well, replied Lugia. Reaching the final eight is a huge feat.
"Right," agreed Tristan. "But I know I want to do better. And there are still plenty of Pokémon that we haven't even discovered yet."
Pikachu agreed. It was excited about reaching the top as Tristan was.
This made Lugia remember something. Didn't you say that Shen suggested you go to Littleroot Town?
"Yes, I did," answered Tristan. "That's where Aunt Amy and Uncle Greg live."
Pikachu excitedly agreed.
So are you thinking about going to the Hoenn region? asked Lugia.
"Yep," replied Tristan. "We'll plan to start our new journey there soon."
That's awesome. I'd be happy to take you if you'd like. You just let me know whenever you're ready to go there.
"Really? That'd be awesome, Lugia. Thanks!"
Pikachu thanked Lugia as well.
They flew over more fields with Mareep and Miltank grazing in the grass below.
Then they saw the Shining Lighthouse in Olivine City.
Presently, they had left Johto's mainland and were headed out over the open sea.
"Where are we going now, Lugia?" asked Tristan.
Wherever we're inspired to go, answered Lugia. Actually, I'd been wanting to stop by Ogi Isle on the Whirl Islands. I can't help worrying about my mother sometimes. I hope she's doing okay, especially since she's been taking care of Silver for who knows how long.
"Well, then let's go to Ogi Isle on the Whirl Islands and see your mom!" agreed Tristan. "I bet she'll be very happy to see you."
Pikachu nodded in excitement as Lugia flew on.
They flew for what seemed like hours.
Check it out! said Lugia excitedly. You can see all four of the Whirl Islands from here.
Sure enough, they were flying so high that all four islands could be seen below, even though they were so far away.
"Now that's what I call a picturesque view," smiled Tristan. "And look! There's Ogi Isle!"
Sure enough, they could see the undersea tunnel leading from Silver Rock Isle to Ogi Isle and flew over it.
Suddenly, a powerful blue beam of energy came from Ogi Isle and rushed towards Lugia.
(Music Cue: Zapdos Appears!)
"Look out, Lugia!" shouted Tristan.
Quickly, Lugia flew higher and dodged the beam.
Who'd attack us like that? wondered Lugia.
"I don't know, but I'm sure we don't wanna find out, right?"
Wrong. We're going straight to the source. Hang on, guys! And Lugia quickly flew over to Ogi Isle to find out where the attack had come from.
Just as it did, Tristan's Silver Wing began glowing, but this time, it was a frighteningly red light.
"What's the deal with my Silver Wing?" wondered Tristan. "I have a feeling that whatever's causing this is not good."
As they approached Ogi Isle, they saw, to their surprise, another silvery-white bird. It had blue fins on its back.
"It's another Lugia!" gasped Tristan. "It must've been the one who was trying to attack us."
The other Lugia roared and shot out another deadly beam from its mouth at Lugia, who narrowly escaped the blast.
"That was an Aeroblast!" exclaimed Tristan. "And a strong one, too! Only a Lugia could learn that attack."
But why would a Lugia be attacking us? Unless it's... Lugia remembered how its mother had been fiercely protective of it and its sibling, Silver, from strangers, and would attack anyone who tried to harm it, let alone get near it. Then it thought back to that terrible day when it had to leave its family behind. It's my mother!
"Are you sure?" asked Tristan. He and Pikachu were very surprised at the revelation.
The other Lugia quickly fired another Aeroblast, but this time, it was aimed at Tristan and Pikachu.
Lugia spun into a dizzying dive to avoid it, but this caused Tristan and Pikachu to fall off toward the water below.
Tristan! Pikachu! cried Lugia as it dove after them.
Tristan managed to grab ahold of Pikachu as they fell. Then he got an idea. "My Silver Wing should help with this. I just hope it works." He raised it as high as he could while still in midfall.
Instantly, it glowed from red to a bright white light.
When the parent Lugia saw the bright light, it recognized the light immediately; it was the same glow that it remembered seeing when it first saw the magical Silver Wing that Lugia had dropped after it hatched. It had been convinced that the Silver Wing had been in the right hands all this time, for it knew that only the human who bonded with its offspring would be destined to hold this legendary Silver Wing. It then calmed down.
Tristan's Silver Wing then stopped glowing as he and Pikachu fell into the water with a tremendous splash.
Lugia watched anxiously, hoping that Tristan and Pikachu would surface.
Fortunately, they did seconds later.
"Are you okay, Pikachu?" asked Tristan.
Pikachu nodded.
Just then, Lugia flew over. Tristan! Pikachu! Are you two all right?
"We're fine," answered Tristan.
Oh, thank goodness. Lugia was amazed. It never expected the Silver Wing's glow to convince its mother the way it did.
(Music Cue: Reunion)
The parent Lugia then smiled and began to cry tears of emotion, seeing that its 'baby' had been safe all along.
Lugia, feeling the same emotion, flew over to its mother, and together, they embraced one another in mid-air.
Tristan and Pikachu began tearing up at the happy reunion. They knew that Lugia and its mother were apart for so long after it had been forced to leave its family behind to live a brand-new life.
My little baby, you've really grown up. You're even bigger than I am.
Tristan and Pikachu were surprised.
"Was that your mother's voice, Lugia?" asked Tristan.
Lugia nodded. She can only communicate when the legendary Silver Wing is in the near vicinity.
The parent Lugia motioned Lugia to come with it.
My mother wants us to follow, advised Lugia. Hop on, guys, I'll get you to Ogi Isle myself.
And Tristan and Pikachu quickly climbed onto Lugia's back, and together, they followed its mother in the sky toward Ogi Isle.
"But won't your mother be suspicious at us for visiting her on the Whirl Islands?" wondered Tristan.
No, it's all right, answered Lugia. She realizes that the Silver Wing wouldn't glow whenever it falls into the wrong hands. That's why she knew you meant no harm to me or to her.
Tristan stared at his Silver Wing for a long time. He knew that Lugia was right, for the Silver Wing had gotten him and Pikachu out of many jams on their journey. And he could only wonder what other magical abilities it had as he, Pikachu, and Lugia flew on to Ogi Isle.
(Music Cue: A Devious Plot)
Meanwhile, a familiar adversary was watching from his hot-air balloon. Yes, it was Taz, Tristan's nemesis.
"So, a pair of Lugia this time, eh?" he smirked evilly to himself. "That ought to make a nice price. This electromagnetic net should do the job handsomely." And he followed the two Lugia down just out of sight.
(Music Cue: Unconditional Love)
A few minutes later, Tristan and Pikachu watched closely as Lugia and its mother spent some quality time together.
So you bonded with this human, and I could tell that you've been really good friends ever since.
Lugia nodded. Tristan was the one who helped me learn and grow. And I still want to learn and grow not just from him, but from any good friend I meet, human or Pokémon.
The parent Lugia smiled. It knew that Lugia wanted to learn more about the world from some human friends and was happy for it, but it was still sad for having it leave. My baby, I hope you'll forgive me. I know I forced you to leave me behind, but I wanted to keep you out of danger. It seems to me that you encountered a lot of dangers. I could tell that your friend is a very strong Trainer. And thanks to this Tristan friend of yours, he has helped keep you safe. He must've helped you grow up to be this big, and I mean not just you, but your heart, too.
What do you mean?
No matter how far away your friends and family are from you, or how many friends you make, you still remember them. That's what helps you stay connected...in your heart. And that's what's causing it to grow bigger and bigger...just like you have.
Then Lugia suddenly remembered. What about Silver? Is Silver okay?
Don't worry, Silver's fine. Silver learned how to fly a month after our encounter with Team Rocket. He's grown up, too, like you, and is now swimming and flying freely. And it comes over to play with the little boy it befriended from time to time. And it's learned how to defend itself against many threats.
Thank goodness, sighed Lugia. The last thing I need is to find out that my sibling is in danger.
Tristan and Pikachu quietly and proudly looked on.
"I'm glad Lugia was able to reunite with its mother," whispered Tristan.
Pikachu silently agreed.
Then suddenly, Lugia took Tristan by the hand. Hey, Tristan, come over here!
The parent Lugia recognized Tristan from his first visits. Ah, so you're the Tristan that my baby has been bonding with all this time.
"Yes, that's right," replied Tristan.
I never gave you a proper thank-you for saving my eggs.
Lugia was confused. Saving your eggs? What do you mean, Mother?
The parent Lugia began its brief story.
(Music Cue: Flying Poké Ball Chaos (as heard in "A Promise is a Promise"))
Back when you were an egg, the parent Lugia explained, a Tentacruel had emerged from the water and prepared to attack. Luckily, Tristan came just in time and saw that the eggs were in danger, so without hesitation, he and his Pokémon quickly sprang into action. Thanks to a quick Thunderbolt, that Tentacruel never got anywhere close to the nest or the eggs, and it's been that way ever since.
Lugia was awestruck. So you're saying that if it weren't for Tristan, then...
That's right. You wouldn't be here.
Lugia was surprised. Then it turned to Tristan. So that means...you saved my life. Not just once, but twice!
Tristan gave a thumbs-up, knowing that he'd been at the right place at the right time.
(Music Cue: Radio Tower Takeover (full version))
Suddenly, a net shot down and ensnared the two Lugia in it, much to Tristan and Pikachu's shock.
"Lugia!" cried Tristan.
Then, electricity crackled through the net, and both Lugia felt the shock.
What's going on here?! grunted Lugia as it struggled desperately to break free.
Suddenly, maniacal laughter was heard from up above.
Tristan and Pikachu looked up to see Taz looking down at them.
"No! Not you again, Taz!" fumed Tristan.
Who's Taz? grunted the parent Lugia.
Taz is a thief who's always up to no good, explained Lugia. He always tries to steal someone or something just for the fun of it.
"And now, I'll be taking you away!" cackled Taz as he pushed a button on his remote control.
Instantly, a mechanical rubber claw shot out from under the balloon and grabbed the net.
"See, I told ya so!" smirked Taz. "Now I gotta go!"
"You're not going anywhere! Meganium, use Razor Leaf to cut the net! Go!" shouted Tristan as he took out his Friend Ball and threw it.
Meganium emerged from the white light that shot out of it and unleashed a flurry of razor-sharp leaves at the net.
Sure enough, Razor Leaf scored a direct hit, and the net was torn to pieces.
Both Lugia fell out of the sky and into the water.
"Hey, kid!" exclaimed Taz. "Nets like that don't grow on trees, ya know!"
"Now use Razor Leaf on that balloon!" ordered Tristan.
Meganium shot another flurry of razor-sharp leaves, but this time, they were aimed toward the balloon.
Sure enough, Razor Leaf tore a gaping hole in it, and the balloon with Taz on board careened to the ground a few feet away from Tristan, Pikachu, and Meganium.
Are you okay, Mother? asked Lugia.
I'm fine, answered the parent. But I'm worried about your friend. What if he isn't strong enough to defeat this Taz?
Don't worry, Mother, Lugia assured her. Tristan will be fine. But let's hide underwater until he gives us the all-clear just to be safe. And if need be, I'll protect him.
The parent agreed, and both Lugia dove below the surface.
Taz slowly got to his feet from the rubble. "You've got some nerve crashing the party. For that, you will pay! Okay, Electabuzz, let's go!"
Electabuzz emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Meganium, Body Slam!" commanded Tristan.
Meganium leaped high into the air and started falling down with its full weight behind its Body Slam attack, scoring a direct hit on Electabuzz and knocking it out.
"Hey! No fair!" cried Taz. "I didn't issue a command yet!"
"Now, Meganium, send them flying with Vine Whip!" shouted Tristan.
Meganium unleashed two green vines from its petals and wrapped them around Taz and Electabuzz. Then with a few good spins, it sent them flying sky-high.
"We won't forget this!" yelled Taz as he and Electabuzz disappeared in the sky.
DING!
"Great work, Meganium," commended Tristan.
Meganium nodded as Pikachu gave it a high-five.
"But I wonder where the Lugia went." He looked all around, but couldn't see them anywhere. He then came to the water's edge and called out, "All clear, guys! You can come up now!"
Sure enough, both Lugia emerged from the surface and came back to the edge.
See? What did I tell you, Mother? said Lugia.
The parent Lugia nodded. It could see that its 'baby' was right. Then suddenly, it started to wince in pain.
Mother! What's wrong? asked Lugia worriedly.
Tristan, Pikachu, and Meganium quickly rushed over to inspect the parent Lugia.
"I'm afraid that it took a substantial amount of damage from the shock inside that net," answered Tristan as he saw multiple wounds on its body.
It's nothing, I'm fine, the parent assured them. But suddenly, it collapsed again.
(Music Cue: The Pokémon Castle)
My poor mother... thought Lugia.
"How about you, Lugia? How are you doing," asked Tristan. He saw multiple wounds on Lugia's body as well. He started to take his first-aid kit out of his backpack to treat Lugia.
But Lugia said, Don't worry about me, Tristan. I can heal myself. And Lugia's body began glowing in a white light. Seconds later, all the wounds from its body had disappeared. Soon, it was back to full strength.
"That's great, Lugia," smiled Tristan. "I forgot that you could use Recover. What about your mom?"
I'm afraid she can't, replied Lugia. She doesn't know how to use Recover.
"Well, then I'll just treat your mother myself," said Tristan as he took out a Full Restore bottle out of his backpack. Then he walked over to the parent Lugia. "This'll sting a little, but it should help your mother recover from the damage." And he gently sprayed the contents onto the parent Lugia's wounds.
Is my mother gonna be okay? asked Lugia.
"Don't worry, Lugia," Tristan assured it. "A spray of this Full Restore and a good rest, and she'll be good as new. I promise."
Thank you, Tristan.
"Why don't we all have a little rest ourselves?" suggested Tristan. "We could all use it after that encounter."
Lugia agreed, and sat itself down in front of a big rock. Then it carefully tucked Tristan and Pikachu in its wings to settle down for a good nap.
(Music Cue: Pokémon Center M77B 1997-1998 (as heard in "The Pokémon Water War"))
Meanwhile, back in New Bark Town, Veronica and Eric had just fixed a homemade pizza to share with Hillary and her Pokémon.
Celebi had been invited to dine along with them, and enjoyed the pizza as well.
"Boy, Tristan's sure missing out on this," said Hillary.
Veronica sighed. "I know what you mean. Tristan adds more life to our life journey."
"He must be having fun with his Lugia friend right now," smiled Eric. "But I know he and Pikachu will be back soon."
Presently, Silveena poked her long neck through the open window. Something smells good.
"Would you like some pizza, too, dear?" asked Veronica.
Silveena nodded.
Veronica reached out with a slice of pizza in her hand.
Silveena took a bite and instantly loved the taste. Cheesy...so many different flavors in one.
"Well, Silveena seems excited," remarked Hillary.
Togepi trilled in agreement.
"There's plenty more where that came from if you're still hungry," smiled Veronica.
Silveena smiled. This was one of the kindest things anyone did for her. She hadn't been this content in a long time.
(Music Cue: OK! (Piano Ballad))
Two hours later, Tristan and Pikachu woke up from their nap and quietly crawled out of Lugia's wings to check on its parent.
The parent was sleeping soundly and recovering quite nicely.
"That's good," whispered Tristan. "Lugia's mother must be getting her strength back." He gently felt it all over to check its progress. Sure enough, the wounds and bruises that it had were gone. I knew we wouldn't let you down, Lugia, he thought.
Just then, Tristan's Poké Gear rang from inside his backpack.
He took it out and answered it. "Hello, this is Tristan."
"Hi, Tristan, this is Hillary. Where are you now?"
"I'm on Ogi Isle in the Whirl Islands. We're visiting with Lugia's mother."
"Oh, you're visiting with its mother? I bet Lugia must've been really worried about her and happy to reunite."
"Yeah, it sure was. We just finished treating her injuries after we got attacked by Taz. She's recovering well, though."
"Hmph! It figures he'd ruin your happy reunion."
"Lugia and its mother should be waking up from their nap any minute, and should have their strength back."
"That's great news. Anyway, Silveena and I have just left New Bark Town and are on our way to Ogi Isle to meet you and Pikachu right now. I told Grandma and Grandpa we'd go on a few fun adventures in Johto together before we make our next move."
"Thanks, sis, you're the best. We'll see you soon, okay?"
"Okay, bye now!"
As soon as Tristan hung up, he put his Poké Gear back in his backpack.
At that moment, Lugia opened its eyes, stretched its wings, and yawned loudly. It then walked over to Tristan. So how's my mother doing?
"Don't worry, Lugia," replied Tristan. "Your mother will be just fine. She's still sleeping."
That's good, said Lugia. That means she must be recovering, right?
Tristan nodded.
I knew you'd be able to help, smiled Lugia. I'm so glad to know a good friend like you. And it embraced Tristan with its wings.
"Oh, Lugia, I almost forgot," said Tristan. "Hillary just called, and she and Silveena are on their way to Ogi Isle to meet us right now. She wanted us to have a few adventures together before I get ready to go to the Hoenn region. Do you want to do that with us before we go?"
I don't see why not, answered Lugia.
"Great!" smiled Tristan. "We'll go as soon as we know for sure that your mother will be okay."
Thanks, Tristan, replied Lugia.
It was at this moment that Lugia's mother slowly opened her eyes and stood up to her full height. Then she walked over to Tristan and Lugia.
How are you doing, Mother? asked Lugia.
Thanks to your friends and the rest, I'm good as new, answered Lugia's mother.
"That's great news, isn't it, Lugia?" smiled Tristan.
It sure is, replied Lugia. Thank you.
Tristan smiled. He knew that he could keep promises to his friends, especially to those who were close to him.
(Music Cue: Team Rocket Appears (as heard in "The Bug Stops Here"))
Suddenly, an electric blast came out of nowhere and was headed straight for Tristan and Pikachu.
"Look out!" cried Tristan as he and Pikachu braced themselves and shut their eyes.
Fortunately, Lugia saw the blast coming and blocked it using Aeroblast.
Tristan and Pikachu opened their eyes and saw that Lugia had protected them.
"Phew!" sighed Tristan. "That was close. Thanks, Lugia."
Sure, anytime, replied Lugia.
"Hey, that's no fair!" complained a voice. "You were supposed to get hit by my electrical attack!"
Tristan knew who it was. He saw Taz and Electabuzz standing right behind him and turned towards them. "I should've known it was you, Taz. We're busy here, so get lost!"
"I won't, you insensitive little numbskull!" growled Taz defiantly. "Not until you give me those Lugia."
"You'll never get them!" retorted Tristan. "Ready, Pikachu?"
Pikachu nodded and stepped up to battle Taz and Electabuzz.
Hold on.
(Music Cue: S.S. Aqua (as heard in "The Fire-ing Squad"))
Tristan, Pikachu, and Lugia turned to see the parent Lugia had stepped forward and was ready to battle.
Anyone who endangers my baby has to go through me first, said the parent Lugia defiantly.
What are you going to do, Mother? Lugia asked.
Me? We're going to help your friends, answered the parent Lugia.
Lugia got more excited, for it was the first time it had a chance to battle alongside its mother.
"So that's how you wanna play, eh?" smirked Taz. "All right, then it's a free-for-all!" He tossed multiple Poké Balls in the air.
Out came Magmar, Poliwrath, and Ariados as they stood alongside Electabuzz.
"Hey! Four against two is no fair!" accused Tristan.
"Too bad, so sad," smirked Taz. "We have different definitions of fair. All right, youse guys, let 'em have it!"
And all four of Taz's Pokémon charged in toward Lugia and its parent.
But they never flinched, for they both fired their Aeroblast attacks together and struck Taz and his Pokémon directly, causing a huge explosion that sent them flying.
"Hey, we're getting blown away! Now THAT'S no fair!" screamed Taz as he and his Pokémon disappeared into the sky.
DING!
"Lugia, that was awesome," smiled Tristan. "That Aeroblast attack was even stronger than the first time you used it."
Thanks, Tristan, replied Lugia. You helped make it happen.
Actually, my baby, corrected the parent Lugia, it was your belief in yourself that helped you become strong, not just the friendship you have with Tristan.
Lugia realized that the parent was right, for it knew that it couldn't have gotten as strong as it did not just because of Tristan, but because of the faith it had in itself.
"Ahoy!" called a voice from the sky.
Tristan looked up and saw Hillary and Silveena descending from the air.
"Hey, sis! Hi, Silveena!" called Tristan as he and Pikachu waved.
The parent Lugia was amazed. So that must be your new mate, right?
Lugia nodded. Then it embraced with Silveena as she landed.
Tristan and Hillary smiled.
"Look at those two," said Hillary. "They've only been separated for a few hours, and they're still so happy to get back together again."
"There's no better romantic couple than them," replied Tristan.
The parent Lugia silently agreed with them.
That evening, as Tristan, Pikachu, and Hillary prepared to leave the Whirl Islands, Lugia said its goodbyes to its parent.
It was great seeing you again, Mother, said Lugia as it embraced her.
My, baby, you've definitely proven yourself to be quite capable, replied the parent Lugia. And now, you have a mate to have and to hold.
Lugia agreed. But then it felt sad. I still haven't had a chance to see Silver, my sibling.
But just then, they saw another Lugia jump out of the water, fly freely through the air, and dive back into the ocean.
Tristan and Hillary were surprised.
"Whoa, is that...?" began Hillary.
"Silver?!" added Tristan.
Lugia and the parent both nodded. The one and only.
(Music Cue: Such Sweet Sorrow (full version))
"Wow, four Lugia in one day is so exciting," said Tristan. "Now I feel like I'm a part of their family. Of course, I miss my family sometimes, too."
And that's why Silveena and I are going to take you back home, replied Lugia. Your grandparents must be worried about you by now.
"Well, then what are we waiting for?" said Tristan as he and Pikachu excitedly got onto Lugia's back.
Then with Tristan and Pikachu riding on Lugia and Hillary and Togepi riding on Silveena, they took off into the air and waved goodbye.
So long, Mother! called Lugia. Take care of yourself! Let's see each other again real soon, okay?
That's a promise, my baby! replied the parent Lugia. Be careful, and take care of your friends!
I will! promised Lugia as it and Silveena flew off into the sky as the sun began to set.
Later at home in New Bark Town, everyone was enjoying a nice dinner.
"Did you have a nice time playing with Lugia today?" asked Veronica.
"Yes, we sure did," replied Tristan. "We got to see Lugia's parent and battled together."
Veronica was pleased to hear it.
So was Eric. "Nothing seems to stop you, grand-sonny, even when you're out travelling."
"So, Grandma, Hillary and I were hoping to..." Tristan began.
"Yes, I know, dear," interrupted Veronica. "You want to journey together before you make your next move. Hillary had asked me."
"Well, yes," replied Tristan. "We were hoping to see other places that we heard of in Johto, but never had the chance to see them."
"Oh there are plenty of places," smiled Veronica. "I've heard of a place called the Lake of Life. It's a very special place where Celebi is known to visit. The people know it as the Voice of the Forest."
"Well, Hillary, wanna go to the Lake of Life tomorrow?" asked Tristan.
"I'm in," agreed Hillary. "Lugia and Silveena can take us there. Celebi can join us, too, and we'll be sure to be back home by dinnertime."
"That's just fine," replied Veronica. "You're big kids now, and are quite capable of taking care of yourselves. But you'll always be our little grandchildren at heart to us. Right, dear?"
"Oh, Veronica," chuckled Eric as he put his arm around her shoulder.
"Aww, look at that," smiled Hillary as she turned to Tristan. "Grandma and Grandpa...all this time, they've been together and they still love each other."
"And they love us, too," added Tristan.
Pikachu and Togepi agreed as everyone got together for a group hug.
With another day of adventures complete, our heroes prepare to set off toward another one. And as our heroes prepare to make their next move, what inspirations will they have on their next adventure? Stay tuned as their journey continues on.
► TO BE CONTINUED